Count On Immigrant Urbandale Teacher To Always Say The Right Thing

Teacher Elvira Mehic knows what it's like to be a student at Urbandale Middle School where she teaches literacy.

She also knows what it's like being an English language learner.

And now she's learning what it's like to become an American citizen.

Mehic, a Bosnian immigrant, came to Urbandale in 1999 at the age of 12. Last month she took and passed the written test to become an American citizen. On Dec. 10, she'll participate in the Oath of Citizenship ceremony where she will receive her certificate of naturalization.

"I'm very proud of my Bosnian heritage and culture," Mehic, 23, said.

Mehic lived in Germany for seven years during the Bosnian War. When the war ended her family of five had the option to return to their war-torn country or move to America. Her parents decided to take Mehic and her older siblings to Iowa.

"They felt we had more opportunities," Mehic said.

When Mehic began sixth grade at Urbandale Middle School she spoke German and Bosnian. It was challenging to go from getting good grades and having lots of friends to not being able to speak the language and no longer being involved in activities. But Mehic picked up English quickly and was able to skip seventh grade to join her age group.

"I still wasn't fully fluent in eighth grade, but by high school I felt like I had adjusted," she said.

Mehic graduated from Urbandale High School in 2005 and graduated from Grand View University in 2009. She's currently working on a master's degree in education.

She is in her second year of teaching at Urbandale Middle School.

"I always felt I had teachers who were great to me," Mehic said.

Middle school Principal Dan Meyer said Mehic is a good role model for the school's Bosnian students. The majority of the school's English language learners are Bosnian.

"She is without a doubt one of the shining stars in our building," Meyer said.

Sixth-grader Rhea Gaskins of Urbandale said Mehic is her favorite teacher at the school.

"She helps you with everything," Gaskins, 11, said.

Gaskins was impressed when she learned Mehic had passed her citizenship test.

"I probably wouldn't be brave enough to do that because it's a big test," Gaskins said.

Students are often impressed that Mehic attended the middle school just like them.

"It's kind of inspiring because you don't even think you're going to be somebody," said sixth-grader Blake Lange, 12, of Urbandale.

Mehic is looking forward to having the right to vote and being able to travel more easily with a U.S. passport. Her first trip will be to southern Europe.

People born in America often take for granted their citizenship, said fellow sixth-grade literacy teacher Ann Presler. She was impressed with Mehic's dedication to achieving her dreams.

"I think it's neat for the student to see that, too," Presler said.